The concept ... "Rare shells are rare only because their habitat is relatively unknown." .. is a bit of a misnomer touted as a part of a certain Malacologists generic hoopla. It is blanket statement that covers many but not all species. As with all animals, some are prolific breeders, and others are not. Whereby for may species there will never be a proverbial “mother load” or commonness, this leading to “rarity” in there actual occurrence and - or in trying to find them. Leslie ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs To leave this list, click on the following web link: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and click leave the list. ----------------------------------------------------------------------